About the Technique

In radiofrequency ablation (RFA), heat is delivered directly into the tumor via a probe that is inserted through the skin using CT, MR and/or ultrasound imaging for guidance. From the tip of the needle, radiofrequency energy is transmitted into the targeted tissue where it produces heat and kills the tumor. RFA is a nonsurgical, localized treatment that spares healthy tissue without any systemic side effects. RFA can be performed without affecting the patient's overall health and most people can resume their usual activities in a few days.
About Osteoid Osteoma

Osteoid osteomas are relatively rare benign bone tumors that affect mainly young people (teens to 20s) who are otherwise healthy. They are three times more common in males than females. These bone lesions primarily occur in the long bones of the leg, but they can also occur in the bones of the arms and spine. The lesions can result in growth deformities if located in long bones, or scoliosis if in the spine. If left untreated the tumors do heal over time, however it takes an average of five to six years and up to 10 years for that to occur. Typically, the pain is sharp and worse at night, but responds well to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications, however, can cause side effects such as stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding. For patients who require intervention, surgery has been the historical treatment.

About the Study

The study involved 26 patients, 19 male and seven female, with a mean age of 29.

Twenty-three of the patients had lower extremity or pelvic lesions, and three had upper extremity or scapular lesions. The procedure was technically successful in one hundred percent of the cases with no peri-or post-procedural complications. In ninety-one percent of the patients treated there was resolution of pain. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Abstract 96 can be found at www.SIRmeeting.org.

About the Society of Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. They offer the most in-depth knowledge of the least invasive treatments available coupled with diagnostic and clinical experience across all specialties. They use X-rays, MRI and other imaging to advance a catheter in the body, usually in an artery, to treat at the source of the disease nonsurgically. As the inventors of peripheral angioplasty and the catheter-delivered stent, interventional radiologists pioneered minimally invasive modern medicine, and provide treatments that offer less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery. More information can be found at www.SIRweb.org.

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